Burapha Task Force Commander vows full readiness and commitment to restoring peace
Major General Benjapol Dechatiwong Na Ayutthaya assures the public of full military preparedness following an explosion near the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo, pledging to maintain security.
At 7:14 p.m. on November 12, a loud explosion was heard near Checkpoint 35, about 1 kilometre from Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province. This prompted the local security forces and volunteers to notify residents, urging them to evacuate to community shelters for safety.
Following the incident, Major General Benjapol Dechatiwong Na Ayutthaya, Commander of the Burapha Task Force, along with his team, visited Ban Nong Ya Kaew to assess the situation and reassure the displaced residents. Naris Palakawong Na Ayutthaya, the district chief of Khok Sung, briefed the commander on the unfolding events.
During the visit, Benjapol spoke with the evacuees, particularly an 80-year-old woman, reassuring them that while the emergency had caused distress, everyone was now in a safe area. He also encouraged the residents to reach out to the Burapha Task Force if they needed anything. The elderly woman expressed her gratitude and wished the soldiers safety.
Benjapol stated, "The military will do everything in our power to restore peace and calm." He emphasised that despite the uncertainty of the situation, all personnel were continuing to fulfil their duties with full commitment.
“We were caught by surprise today, but everything has followed the proper protocol. We are taking full care of the residents, and we do not want any losses, especially for the troops who have been working tirelessly for over two months,” he added.
The Burapha Task Force Commander confirmed that his forces were fully prepared for any further developments, with plans to remain in the area to closely monitor the situation.
Regarding the gunfire heard earlier, Benjapol remarked that the reports and social media coverage seemed illogical and that he was unsure of the intent behind the actions from the Cambodian side. He reassured that all Thai personnel were safe.
“Today, we were fortunate that the bunkers absorbed the gunfire, and our personnel acted calmly, following the proper engagement procedures,” he said.
When asked about the potential for further incidents, Benjapol concluded, "It’s difficult to predict, but the Burapha Task Force is fully prepared. We are working closely with local and administrative authorities to bring the situation back to normal as quickly as possible."
